You can recycle cardboard rolls or tubes into so many fabulous paper crafts for children. We have used toilet paper rolls, but you can use any sort of cardboard roll, or even make your own by rolling up a piece of card.

my husband even got in “the act” and fashioned an absolutely amazing piece of luggage (a suitcase) out of a cereal box – he used magnets to close it – it is very cool – will post a pic – am hoping he makes an entire “set”.
The more we can upcycle and teach our children as well, the better off everyone is – it is really fun and not that hard – I really like the way you “make do” with whatever you have on hand – I read your bio about growing up in the middle of nowhere really and appreciating pushpins! so cute – it prolly taught you the meaning of making what you have work for you on a project

Craftylocks writes:

July 19th, 2012 at 2:40 am

Ohhh – that is pretty – I like the way that they have painted the cardboard tubes first and then mixed up the colors. I think there is a lot of potential in that!! Thanks for sharing it:-)
Sarah

pretty amazing what one can do with a cardboard cereal box – we should have a contest trading ideas

Craftylocks writes:

August 31st, 2011 at 1:09 am

Thanks so much!! It is sooo great to hear I am hitting the right crafts – what you are saying is just what I hope to achieve:-)
Hugs,
Sarah

dawnie writes:

August 30th, 2011 at 11:12 am

ALL very cute and creative and very apropos for upcoming holidays – ty Sarah – love your site and crafts because they are so doable and I actually have the materials to make them usually – no muss no fuss gotta love it – mommy happy = kids happy